UZBEKKOSMOS (Uzspace) representatives held productive discussions with SpaceX about launching a scientific and technological satellite, currently being developed by Uzbek students at Japan’s Kyushu Institute of Technology, aboard a SpaceX rocket. The talks are part of a broader effort by Uzspace to forge international partnerships and leverage advanced space technologies to drive Uzbekistan’s economic and technological growth.
The visit to the United States was marked by a series of fruitful engagements, including key meetings with global leaders in space technology, such as Esri and representatives from other space agencies, at the prestigious “Space Symposium” in Colorado Springs.
The delegation’s visit included a tour across multiple states and institutions, including participation in the world-renowned “Space Symposium” conference in Colorado Springs, attended by over 10,000 participants from more than 40 countries.
The first stop on the tour was California, where Uzspace officials explored U.S. best practices in agricultural water management using satellite technologies.
They visited institutions such as the Madera Groundwater Sustainability Agency, Land Reclamation District No. 108, and Oakdale Irrigation District. Meetings with leading U.S. firms like Davids Engineering and Land IQ offered insight into how satellite data is used to track water usage, enforce consumption limits, and implement fines for excessive groundwater use—an approach Uzbekistan may consider adapting.
In Redlands, California, Uzspace representatives met with leadership at Esri, a global leader in geographic information systems (GIS). Talks covered future stages of cooperation, joint training programs, and the possibility of Esri establishing an office or technology center in Uzbekistan, potentially within the IT Park Uzbekistan framework. Esri officials praised the current space monitoring projects led by Uzspace and welcomed deeper collaboration.
One of the key highlights of the trip was the meeting at SpaceX’s headquarters in Los Angeles. Uzspace and SpaceX discussed the potential launch of a satellite built by young engineers from Uzbekistan, as part of their studies at the Kyushu Institute of Technology.
The two parties also reviewed Uzbekistan’s “Space Research and Technologies – 2035” strategy, with SpaceX expressing interest in providing feedback on the draft and contributing to its development.
Additionally, Uzspace’ participation in the international “Space Symposium” was a significant step in raising Uzbekistan’s profile in the global space community. During the event, agency representatives held bilateral meetings with space companies from around the world and explored the possibility of transferring manufacturing capacities to Uzbekistan.
Talks also addressed collaboration in the development and commercialization of satellite propulsion systems designed by Uzspace engineers. Agreements were reached on cooperation frameworks and future partnership pathways.
Key Agreements Signed
Among the most notable outcomes:
- Memorandum with Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA): Both sides agreed to cooperate in areas including space education, research, satellite development, and terrestrial infrastructure.
- Consulting Partnership with France’s Novaspace: The firm will advise on implementing Uzbekistan’s “Space Research and Technologies – 2035” strategy. Focus areas include global best practices, investment attraction models, and the creation of space-related free economic zones.
- Bid for IAC 2028: Discussions were held with the Executive Director of the International Astronautical Federation to host the prestigious International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Uzbekistan in 2028. The event typically gathers more than 10,000 global space stakeholders annually.
